Ander Herrera reveals talks with Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho over new position

Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera will take up a deeper midfield role this season with both he and Jose Mourinho believing he can thrive in that position.

The former Athletic Bilbao midfielder sat in a deeper role with Marouane Fellaini the one permitted to venture forward more out of the two in the 3-1 victory over Bournemouth on the opening day of the new Premier League season. The Spaniard used the ball impressively and broke up opposition play as United got their season off to a winning start under the new manager.

Herrera's performances fluctuated under Louis van Gaal during his first two seasons at the club but having spoken to Mourinho, he now believes his refined role in the team means his influence can grow.

Speaking to United's official website, Herrera said: "I had to do a different role in the team and I think I can be important there for the manager," Ander explained. "I have spoken with the manager and we are agreed with that, that I can be an important player for the team and that I can help the team in that position. I think I can win a lot of balls back for the team. My instinct is to try to win the ball back for the team as quickly as possible."

United's £89m summer signing Paul Pogba will make his second debut for the club on Friday (19 August) against Southampton and Herrera is hopeful he and the France international are playing alongside each other soon.

"I think he [Pogba] is a top player, maybe one of the best five players in the world that we have with us so it is very important. He can recover the ball, he can shoot on goal, he can dribble and he can defend so he has everything.

"When you think about the best players in the world they are very good but maybe there are very good at specific things. But Paul is good at everything so we are going to enjoy him. As a midfielder I will feel very good if I have a chance to play with him."